Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon called on the Federal Government in Parliament, urging them to take action against the coastal erosion in Stockton.
Acknowledging that the issue is primarily a State Government responsibility, Sharon encouraged the Federal Government to "also do it share" given the urgency of the issue.
"This should be a wake up call for all levels of Government. We just can't stand by and let communities like Stockton slip away into the sea," she said.
Sharon said brought up the Stockton's Early Learning Centre, which sits on Barrie Crescent Reserve alongside the beach. The people of Stockton, who have been facing the impact of coastal erosion for years, have now had their only childcare facility shut down due to safety concerns.
"This has been devastating news of course, for all of the affected families - and, indeed, the entire community. While some temporary care solutions have been put in place, the long-term outlook looks bleak for families wanting to have their children cared for where they live. Madam Deputy Speaker, I hold grave fears that this is just the beginning," she said.
With residents anxious for their homes, public land and further assets, groups like Stockton Community Action Group have formed to fight the issue - but Claydon believes additional Government support is needed.
"Today, I call on the Morrison Government to stop shrinking its responsibilities to coastal communities like Stockton and to act urgently on coastal erosion. It's time. We are a massive island nation. We need a national plan," she concluded.
Image credit: Newcastle Herald.
